Stabbing death of another victim in Calabar linked to suspected gang member

A young man was stabbed to death in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, in an incident that residents say is part of a growing wave of violence linked to street gangs operating in parts of the city.

The attack took place on Monday morning on Mary Slessor Road, where the victim was allegedly assaulted after a dispute with a suspected gang member.

ASP Sunday Akata, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command, confirmed the incident. She said the suspect tracked and pursued the victim before stabbing him with a knife.

According to Akata, the victim was rushed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for medical attention but later died from his injuries.

“The victim was taken to UCTH for treatment, but was later confirmed dead by doctors. The body has been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy,” Akata said.

She added that the suspect had been arrested and that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.

The killing comes just days after another incident that sparked outrage in Calabar, in which residents alleged that a young woman was murdered after being lured to an apartment by a suspect’s girlfriend.

Community members claimed the suspect tried to dispose of parts of the victim’s body before he was apprehended by vigilantes and handed over to security operatives.

Police, however, said no corpse was recovered from the premises, although investigators reportedly found traces of blood in the suspect’s residence.

These recent incidents have heightened concerns among residents, who say street gangs known as “Skolombo Boys” are making a comeback in several parts of the city.

The groups, which are mostly composed of minors and teenagers, are said to occupy abandoned buildings, tunnels and public parks. Residents accuse them of engaging in violent attacks, robbery and other criminal activities, especially at night.